After you arrive

The Brussels-Capital Region includes 19 communes or municipalities that are like the arrondissements in Paris or the boroughs of London. They all have their own administration. The procedure and documents required for your residence permit depend on the commune you’re living in.

Our tip is to go to the town or city hall during the first days of your stay in Belgium to get proof of arrival. It’s called Attestation of Presence – Annex 3ter. Make sure you finalise your registration within the first 90 days after your arrival in Belgium.

On your first visit at the town or city hall, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• your passport or identity card;
• your proof of registration at your university/college in Belgium;
• your proof of health insurance coverage;
• one recent passport photograph (not older than six months);
• a copy of your tenancy agreement in Belgium (if you already have it).

You’ll receive more information about the procedure during this first visit to the city hall. Also check your home country’s legislation on studying abroad to make sure you’re on track with their requirements as well.

Once you’ve submitted everything, a district police officer (in Dutch: wijkagent) will pay you a visit to confirm your address. Make sure your name is visible on the mailbox and doorbell.

Step-by-step guide

Our tip is to go to the city hall during the first days of your stay in Belgium or, if it’s possible with your commune, to make an online appointment before you even arrive.

On your first visit to the town or city hall, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Your passport with your long-stay visa (Type D) for Belgium;
• Your proof of registration at your university/college in Belgium
• Your proof of sufficient financial means;
• One recent passport photograph (less than six months old);
• Your tenancy agreement in Belgium.

During the first visit to the town or city hall, you will receive the document Annex 15.

Once you’ve submitted everything, a district police officer (in Dutch: wijkagent) will pay you a visit to confirm your address. Make sure your name is visible on the mailbox and doorbell.

You’ll be invited for a second visit to the city hall to apply for your residence permit (sometimes called an ‘identity card’ or a ‘passport’). You’ll receive the activation codes for your electronic residence permit by mail at your indicated address. After you’ve received them, you can pick up your electronic residence permit at the city hall office.

Make sure you finalise your registration within the first 90 days after your arrival in Belgium.

The residence permit is valid for the period of your registration at your university/college or until the end date of your scholarship or financial allowance.

Step-by-step guide